Wednesday, January 30, 2013

My Poem for 8th Brigid Poetry Festival

Bulgarian Women’s Dance

I dance with my sisters,
the men gathered
at the periphery
to watch. But after
the first few steps
we are hardly aware of them.
Who cares whether they stare or smile?
Who cares if they judge or ignore?

Hands joined, arms bent at the elbows
to form a W,
we women whose hands and arms
wash clothes and dishes,
mend socks and shirts,
carry buckets and babies,
soothe feverish brow and ill tempers
dance this dance for ourselves.

When the music denotes, we drop
hands and place them on our hips, moving
in and out of the circle
on our own, yet with kindred steps.
Shoulders leading, some of us sway
to tease the men we've almost forgotten,
while others move assertively, as if
to shrug them off.

Hands once again joined,
our arms, now straight, taut,
bring us closer, as their strong swinging
augers triumph.

Dancing, hands still clasped,
we raise our arms high.
Dancing, we trill our glee.
Dancing, for one sweet
instant, we sense our
ascendancy.


Copyright 2007 by Judith Laura. All rights reserved.

This is one of four of my poems first published on the e-journal Fiera Lingue in the January 2009  issue "Poetic Responses to the 2008 American Elections."  It was inspired by the Bulgarian dance, Dobrudjanska Ruka, as performed by some DC area groups in which I participated.

Blessed Brigid.


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Sunday, January 27, 2013

Buzz Coil: January 2013

A look at some posts of interest from our blogroll and sometimes beyond:

Blog O'Gnosis: Anne Hill announces the 8th annual Brigid Poetry Festival, which now has a Facebook page, in her Jan. 21 post, "Poetry, Inauguration, Land." 

Pagan Square: Some samples of this month's posts from a multiplicity of bloggers: Blogger Hec's (aka HecateDemeter) Jan. 21 post, "Hail Columbia," notes that the statue atop the Capitol representing what many consider a Goddess, Columbia/Freedom, was commented upon by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-MD) at the Presidential Inauguration--her post also includes links to inaugural altars,  Schumer's comment, and other info on the statue; in a Jan. 22 post, Elani Temperance delves into the symbolism and mythology of  "Constellation Cassiopeia: the seated woman"; Byron Ballard's Jan. 17 post, "Imbolc, with the Littles," discusses ways to include children in Brigid celebrations; in a Jan. 15 post, "Wisdom is Her Name," Tess Dawson writes about the ANE (aka Near or Middle East) Goddess Wisdom, including biblical references.

The Goddess House: Blogger As't Moon's Jan. 8 post is about "Bila: Aboriginal Sun Goddess." Her Jan. 24 post, "The Goddess at Lughnasadh," is related to the upcoming sabbat in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Wild Hunt: Jason Pitzl-Waters Jan. 21 post,  "Wicca and Paganism Leaving the Occult Section, Heading For Religion,"  focuses on changes to the Book Industry Group's Subject Heading List and Llewellyn's Elysia Gallo's reporting on where books related to Paganism and Wicca are likely to be shelved in bookstores.  

Hearth Moon Rising's Blog: Blogger Hearth Moon Rising's Jan. 11 post, The Alder Tree," takes a look at some of the mythology about that tree. Her Jan. 25 post, Baba Yaga and the Pelican, compares how pelicans act with Baba Yaga stories from various cultures, and includes information from Marija Gimbutas' work on bird goddesses.  

My Village Witch: Byron Ballard writes of the time of year around Imbolc in the mountains of North Carolina in her Jan. 20 post, "Signs of a Mountain Spring."

Works of Literata: In her Jan. 25 post, "Virginia religious liberty: ACLU petition to lawmakers,"  Blogger Literata gives tips on how to encourage Christians to use "empathic imagination" in their views on prayers in school. 

Daily Kos: In a Jan. 12 diary, "The Struggles of Women in America"  blogger ladyrhiannon824 discusses the relationship between the history of misogynist religion, oppression of women, and specific issues, such as women and work and the bias against single parent families. 

Feminism and Religion: Among this month's posts on this blog of many paths and bloggers are: "Epona, Celtic Horse Goddess," by artist Judith Shaw on Jan. 26; Carol P. Christ suggestions on "How to Find Those Lost Ancestors," in her Jan. 21 post; a Jan. 20 post, "Brigit and Patricia: Comrade-Women,"  in which  Elizabeth Cunningham explores the relationship between the late Patricia Monaghan and the Goddess whose name is given to the Pagan (Celtic) holiday celebrated at the begining of February; a Jan. 19 post, "Voice of Wisdom: What Hildegard Means Now,"  in which Mary Sharratt, whose novel about Hildegard of Bingen we reviewed here, explores the meaning of  the life of the German abbess, poet, composer, etc., for us today; Barbara Ardinger reviews Sharratt's book in her Jan. 8 post, "Illuminations," A Novel of Hildegard Von Bingen"; in a Jan. 18 post, "Three Sisters," Deanne Quarrie views the Triple Goddess as sisters, rather than mother-maiden-crone. 

No Longer Quivering: Blogger Libby Anne interviews several people who were home-schooled, mostly for Christian fundamentalist reasons, in her Jan. 25 post, "Raised Quiverfull: Homeschooling."

Return to Mago: Among this month's posts by a number of different bloggers are:
an introduction and link to Susun Weed's radio interview ( with transcript) of Hearth Moon Rising about "Nature-based Spirituality," posted Jan. 25; essays on "Korean Bells and Magoism," the first posted on Jan. 11, and the second on Jan. 23 by blog owner Helen Hye-Sook Hwang;  and a picture of Lydia Ruyle's banner depicting "Doumu, Mother of the Seven Stars," with her comment.

 

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Thursday, January 24, 2013

Changes at Goddess Temple of Orange County

The Goddess Temple of Orange County will become part of a new entity, The Goddess Center of Southern California, according to Rev. Ava Park, founder and director of the Temple and founder of the Center. In addition, the Temple has expanded its policy regarding gender.

Writing in the Goddess Center's e-newsletter sent to members and friends of the Temple yesterday, Rev. Ava announced that the Goddess Center will consist of a Living Temple, a Goddess museum, and a cultural center. Of the museum plans, she writes:  
"We are working room by room, starting with Reception as 'The Celtic Room.' The brilliant Kathy Jones, Founding Priestess of The Glastonbury Goddess Temple, is the curatorial advisor for this installation; we are very grateful to her for her time.
 We expect that The Egyptian Room (currently the Library) will be next, followed by The Asian Room (Quan Yin Room) and The African Room (Oshun’s Lounge). The Sanctuary will be the final room to be transformed.... 
We anticipate that each room will take about two months to complete so the timeline is that the entire museum will be completed by the end of this year....
If you have a beautiful goddess statue that you think belongs in the museum, let us know. If She comes to live at The Goddess Center, your name will be placed next to the display as the donor or loaner."
 
In discussing its role as a Cultural Center, Rev. Ava writes that
 "Truly serving as a cultural center also means leading the way in much-needed cultural evolution. The Goddess Temple has always been a feminist spiritual center...."
She then explains an expanded outlook regarding gender:
 "Over the years we have had a bit of controversy over our definition of 'woman' and our 'women only' policy for many events. The human reality is that there are many more genders than just 'male' and 'female.' These other genders are not recognized or honored in our society, and this refusal to see reality has caused untold harm to countless numbers. Beginning this year, it is our intention to identify, name, formally recognize and honor these as-yet unacknowledged genders, creating a sacred place for each in our community.Those (of any gender) who are interested in being part of this unfolding and groundbreaking work, please contact us. You will be invited to join a committee, the intent of which will be to guide The Goddess Center’s gender policies for the greatest good for all."
 
The Temple now holds Sunday Services beginning at 11 a.m. for "women only" three Sundays a month; Services on the 4th Sunday of the month are "for all genders, all ages." The Temple is also open to the public on Saturdays from Noon to 5 p.m.
 
A new website is planned for the Goddess Center. For now, you can reach the Temple and Center through goddesstempleoforangecounty.com
 
  

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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Events Coil: Jan. 19-Feb.28

As far we know, all events we list are open functions, but some may be limited to women or to adults and some may require that you notify them that you plan to attend. Please check the websites for group policies. On our list, if no country is given, the event is in USA. All times local. Times for computer/Internet/Web events are given for the place of origin unless otherwise noted. Events lasting more than 1 day are bolded. When listing events for the same date we try to list those that occur first, taking into account time zone differences. If there is a difference between our listings and the listings on the link, assume their web page is correct as details may have changed since we listed from it. Ongoing events and events that occur on a regular day each month or week are listed after the dated events. If you have an event you want listed, please leave info as a comment. See the end of this Coil for what info we need for listings.

[updated 1/27]

Jan. 19, Noon Ceremonial Healing Day, Glastonbury Goddess Temple, Glastonbury ENGLAND


Jan. 19, 7 p.m., Meet & Greet (open house), Goddess Temple Inc., Lakewood, OH

Jan. 24, 7 p.m., Book Club, discussing Red Robed Priestess, Sisters of the Goddess, Des Moines, IA

Jan. 25, 7 p.m., Brigid Fire Full Moon Circle, Circle Sanctuary, near Barneveld WI

Jan. 25, 7 p.m. Red Tent Event, Goddess Temple of Orange County, Irvine CA

Jan. 26, 7 p.m. Full Moon Celebration, Maetreum of Cybele, Palenville NY

Jan. 27, doors open 13.00 uur, ceremony begins 14.00 uur, Imbolc Ceremonie, Nederlandse Godinnen Tempel, Hillegom, NEDERLAND

Jan. 27, 2 p.m., Sacred Craft Workshop, Goddess Temple of Orange County, Irvine CA

Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Imbolc Ceremony, Glastonbury Goddess Temple, Glastonbury ENGLAND

Feb. 1, time tba, Rite of the Sacred Maiden, Bloodroot Honey Priestess Tribe (CAYA), San Francisco CA

Feb. 2, 7 p.m. Lammas/Late Summer, Pagaian Moon Court, Blue Mountains NSW AUSTRALIA

Feb. 2, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Imbolc, Circle Sanctuary, near Barneveld WI

Feb. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., In the Presence of Brighid, with Jude Lally and Byron Ballard, Asheville NC

Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. Moon Lodge, Glastonbury Goddess Temple, Glastonbury ENGLAND

Feb. 2, 5 p.m. Goddess Meetup, Maetreum of Cybele, Palenville NY

Feb. 2, 7 p.m. Imbolc/Brigid ritual, Mother Grove Goddess Temple, Asheville NC

Feb. 2, 6:30 doors open, 7 pm ritual begins, 7:15 doors lock, Holy Day of the Maiden, Goddess Temple of Orange County, Irvine CA 

Feb. 2, 7 p.m., Imbolc Celebration, Gaia's Temple, Seattle WA

Feb. 2, gather 7 p.m., ritual 7:30 p.m., Imbolc, San Francisco Reclaiming, SF CA

Feb. 2, 8 p.m. Festival of Prophecy and Initiation (Imbolc), CAYA, Berkeley CA

Feb. 3, doors open 3:30 p.m., ritual 4 p.m., Brigid, NorthBay Reclaiming, Sebastopol CA

Feb. 9, 2 p.m. New Moon Healing, Glastonbury Goddess Temple, Glastonbury ENGLAND

Feb. 9, 7 p.m. New Moon Celebration, Maetreum of Cybele, Palenville NY

Feb. 11, time tba, Annual Temple Dedication Ceremony Celebrating Bridgid, Laka, and Artemis, Daughters of the Goddess, San Francisco CA

Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. Womanspirit Web Meeting , Open Hearth Foundation Community Center, Washington DC

Feb. 15-18, Pantheacon, San Jose CA

Feb. 15-18, Sacred Fire Circles, Circle Sanctuary, near Barneveld WI       

Feb. 22-24, (registration closes Feb. 8)  "Lady of the Beasts and Trees" Intensive with Sid Reger, RCG-I, Kentville TX

Feb. 23, 2 p.m., "Lady of Ten Thousand Names," voicework intensive with Stephanie Heidemann, Asheville NC

Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m., Ceremonial Healing Day, Glastonbury Goddess Temple, Glastonbury ENGLAND

Feb. 24, 7 p.m., "Lady of Ten Thousand Names," Concert with Annelinde Metzner and Stephanie Heidemann, Black Mountain NC

Feb. 24, doors open 6:30 pm, ritual 7:00 pm, Full Moon Ceremony, Goddess Temple of Orange County, Irvine CA
 
Feb. 25, 7 p.m. Full Moon Celebration, Maetreum of Cybele, Palenville NY

Feb. 25, time tba, Celebrate Bear Mother,  Daughters of the Goddess, San Francisco CA 

Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Book Club, discussing The Moon Under Her Feet, Sisters of the Goddess, Des Moines, IA

ONGOING

AUSTRALIA

Adelaide, 2nd Tuesday of month, 7:30 p.m
. Goddess Devotional Service, The Goddess House.

GREAT BRITAIN

Glastonbury: Most days except Mondays, Noon-4, Temple Open for personal Prayers; Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Belly Dancing; Thursdays, 7 p.m. Temple Ritual Dance Class, Priestess/Priest of Avalon Training Program, both in Glastonbury (Avalon) and by correspondence. Glastonbury Goddess Temple.

USA

Asheville NC, Sundays 10 a.m. drumming, 10:30 a.m. Service, Morning Devotionals, Mother Grove Goddess Temple.Berkeley CA, last Sunday of month, 5 p.m. East Bay Goddess Rosary, University Lutheran Chapel.
Carson City, NV, Mondays 6 p.m.,
Women's Spirituality Studies with Mama J, Sisters of the Sacred Circle.Geyserville CA, Daily, Noon, Ritual; Sundays, 2 p.m. Sanctuary Tour, 3 p.m. Transformation: Understanding the 42 Ideals of Ma'at, Isis Oasis.  
Irvine CA, Sunday Services, 1st service at 9:30 a.m., inward meditation; 2nd service at 11 a.m.; see dates for Goddesses being honored, guest speakers, and other information about individual services; Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. "Spiritual Services: Goddesses and Heroes," Spiritual Life Club . Saturdays 12-5 p.m. Temple Open for Women's Meditation, Goddess Temple of Orange County.
Palenville NY, Sundays 5 p.m.training sessions; Sundays 7 p.m. Pagan Circles; 1st Saturday of month, Goddess Meetup, 
Maetreum of Cybele.
San Francisco CA, Sundays 10:30 a.m. Liturgy of the Divine Feminine; Wednesdays 7 p.m. Goddess Rosary Meditation; 1st Friday, Friday Night Group for Women, Ebenezer/HerChurch Lutheran .
Seattle WA, 2nd Sunday, doors open 10 a.m., Goddess Service 10:30 a.m., Gaia's Temple.
Staten Island NY, closest Saturday to full moon 7 p.m. Women's Full Moon Drumming; 3rd Saturday 7 p.m. Goddess devotional service; Goddess Temple of Staten Island.
Wisconsin Dells, WI, Mondays 10 a.m., Motherhouse Monday Morning; Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Women's Craft Night; 1st Wednesdays 7 p.m. She Sings!; 2nd Wednesdays, Goddess Book Group; 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Women's Bardic Circle; 4th Wednesdays 7 p.m. Divination Night;Re-formed Congregation of the Goddess-International.

ONLINE, WORLD WIDE WEB
COURSES:
 "Celebrating Cosmogenesis," for people in both Southern and Northern Hemispheres, with Australian author Glenys Livingstone, originates in NSW, Australia. Join online at any time.
 Women's Thealogical Institute (RCG-I) Athena Online Programs: Cella, Crone, and Guardian.
PODCASTS
times tba, "Talking to Goddess," interviews, music, and more from Gaia's Garden, originates in Melbourne, Australia.
Wednesdays 6 p.m. PT, "Voices of the Sacred Feminine," interviews with well-known Goddessians and Pagans hosted by Karen Tate, Blog Talk Radio. Originates in California.
Sundays 11 a.m. PT,
"Creatrix-Media-Live" roundtable discussions include guests and phone-in audience participation, co-hosted by Jayne DeMent and Anniitra Ravenmoon. Blog Talk Radio.
Tuesday 8 p.m. CT,
Circle Craft with Selena Fox, Circle Sanctuary, Blog Talk Radio

We would be happy to add your Goddess and spiritual feminist events (and those you know about that are open to the public) no matter where in the world they are. Please leave a comment giving: Name of event, sponsoring organization (if any), town, state (if in US), country (if outside of US) time (if known) , and required: url of website where person can get more info (no pdf pages, no password-protected pages). Do NOT give street addresses, phone numbers or email addresses. People should go to the website for that info.

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